In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci break down everything you need to know about the first World Marathon Major of 2026: the Tokyo Marathon.

We deliver a complete race preview — from course strategy and congestion to race-day weather, elite storylines, and bold predictions. If you’re racing Tokyo, chasing a marathon PR, or just love major marathon season, this is your full guide.

We cover race basics and how to watch live (04:37), including start times and logistics, plus just how hard it is to get into Tokyo’s infamous 2% lottery (09:00). Then we dive into a full course breakdown (12:30), race etiquette and on-course rules (17:30), and Tokyo’s unique aid stations and fueling setup (29:10). We analyze the race-day weather forecast and conditions (32:20), and explore Tokyo Marathon history and course records (35:57).

On the elite side, we break down the women’s field (41:52), including whether Sutume Kebede can three-peat (43:00), and what Sara Hall racing both Tokyo and Boston means (45:00). We debate why Tokyo still hasn’t produced a world record (48:50) before turning to the men’s field (51:52), the Japanese national record showdown (53:30), and dark horse breakout potential (56:00).

Finally, we make our official predictions for the winners (1:02:55) and close with our World Marathon Majors Power Rankings — PB edition (1:09:56), before final thoughts and how to follow the race live (1:18:30).

Topics include:

• Elite field predictions (men’s & women’s)

• Course record potential

• The Japanese national record battle

• Why Tokyo hasn’t produced a world record

• Course strategy & race-day tips

• Weather forecast analysis

• Is Tokyo secretly the fastest major?

• Could Cam Levins break the North American record?

If you’re running Tokyo, planning your next major, or gearing up for marathon season — this is your complete race preview.

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00:00 Tokyo Marathon 2026 Preview Begins04:37 Race Basics & Start Time (How to Watch Live)09:00 How Hard Is It to Get Into Tokyo? (2% Lottery Odds)12:30 Tokyo Marathon Course Breakdown17:30 Tokyo Race Etiquette & On-Course Rules29:10 Unique Tokyo Aid Stations & Fueling32:20 Weather Forecast & Race Day Conditions35:57 Tokyo Marathon History & Course Records41:52 Women’s Elite Field Breakdown43:00 Can Kebede Three-Peat?45:00 Sara Hall Racing Tokyo + Boston48:50 Why No World Record in Tokyo?51:52 Men’s Elite Field Breakdown53:30 Japanese National Record Showdown56:00 Dark Horse Picks & Breakthrough Potential1:02:55 Official Predictions (Men’s & Women’s Winners)1:09:56 World Marathon Majors Power Rankings (PB Edition)1:18:30 Final Thoughts & How to Follow the Race

#tokyomarathon #WMM #WorldMarathonMajors #HarryStyles #marathon #running